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Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

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Cinnamon rolls made with crescent rolls will be your new best brunch idea! These chocolate chip crescent roll cinnamon rolls take less than 10 minutes to prep and seconds to eat! Perfect with your morning coffee or on the go breakfast.

overhead shot of crescent roll cinnamon rolls in a baking dish.

Guys. These crescent roll cinnamon rolls are really good.

For some reason, I didn’t expect them to be as good as they were. Maybe because they’re a shortcut recipe.

Sometimes that happens to me. I go in with mediocre expectations and come away fully impressed. I like when it happens.

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls will be your new best brunch idea! These simple cinnamon rolls take less than 10 minutes to prep and seconds to eat!

I hadn’t had a decent cinnamon roll in a long time. I used to enjoy stopping at Cinnabon at the mall every once in awhile. Then I realized they’re like 1,000 calories so I cut out that treat.

These cinnamon rolls using crescent rolls are much smaller than a Cinnabon, but they’re only about 200 calories each. MUCH better.

Regardless, I’m happy about these. The melty chocolate in the center is delicious. They were best right out of the oven but the next day, I put one in the microwave for 9 seconds (not ten. nine.) and it was just as good.

Really easy + really good = a winner. Try them.

Similarly, try these easy chocolate chip cream cheese danish, too.

Why you’ll love these Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Shortcut recipe – Starting with crescent roll dough instead of making a yeast dough makes them so quick & easy!

Perfect size – The cinnamon crescent rolls aren’t gigantic, they’re the perfect treat.

Customizable – I add mini chocolate chips but cinnamon sugar crescent rolls are delicious on their own! You could also add some apple pie filling, marshmallow fluff, brown sugar…lots of ways to make them your own!

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls will be your new best brunch idea! These simple cinnamon rolls take less than 10 minutes to prep and seconds to eat! Perfect with your morning coffee or on the go breakfast.

Tools you’ll need

  • 8″ Round Pan – You can use a dark, non-stick pan or a glass dish.
  • Pastry Brush – To brush the melted butter on the dough. I like silicone because it’s easy to clean.
  • Cutting Board – I like to roll the dough out on a board instead of directly on the counter.

Ingredients

Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card.

  • Crescent Rolls – I use Pillsbury Crescent Roll Rounds, which can sometimes be hard to find. You can use regular crescent rolls, just pinch the seams together.
  • Butter – I use salted butter to balance the sweetness of the recipe.
  • Sugar – Granulated white sugar.
  • Cinnamon – If you can, opt for a high quality cinnamon like ceylon for the best flavor.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips – If you don’t have mini chocolate chips you can chop up some regular sized chips, or even a chocolate bar.
  • Powdered Sugar – Sometimes called confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar. Same thing.
  • Milk – I use 2% because that’s what we keep on hand.
  • Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract, not imitation, will give the best flavor.
overhead shot of labeled ingredients laid out to make crescent roll cinnamon rolls.

How to make Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

  1. STEP ONE: First, carefully unroll a crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface. Gently brush the melted butter over the entire dough.
crescent roll dough rolled out and brushed with melted butter.
  1. STEP TWO: Next, in a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon & sugar and sprinkle evenly over the melted butter.
cinnamon & sugar on crescent roll dough.
  1. STEP THREE: Then, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the entire thing.
cinnamon roll dough with mini chocolate chips.
  1. STEP FOUR: Finally, gently roll up the dough, slice into 8 even rounds, and place into a greased 8″ round baking dish. Bake in a preheated 375° oven for 12-14 minutes or until just golden. You want them to be a bit gooey.
  1. STEP FIVE: While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla over low heat until fully combined. Immediately brush over the cinnamon rolls when you take them out of the oven and enjoy!
overhead shot of cinnamon rolls in a round baking dish.

Tips & Suggestions

  • I use Pillsbury Crescent Rounds for these rolls. If you have regular crescents on hand, they’ll work fine, just pinch the seams together.
  • Line the bottom of your baking dish with parchment paper cut in the shape of a circle to make clean up easier.
  • After you roll up each dough strip, gently pinch the ends together so they stay in place.
  • If you don’t eat them all in one sitting, these cinnamon rolls will warm up nicely in the microwave but they only need a few seconds!

What to serve with Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

Serve these Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast with Ham & Potato Breakfast Casserole and some fruit!

If you need other savory options to balance the sweet, try my sheet pan eggs, birds’ nest breakfast cups or, another way to use crescent rolls, my crescent roll breakfast pizza.

If you want additional sweet options, try my hawaiian roll french toast or an easy apple strudel.

If you don’t want a cheater recipe, try these gluten-free cinnamon rolls.

How to reheat and store Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

How to store leftovers

Leftovers are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, but they’re best served immediately.

Can I freeze crescent roll cinnamon rolls?

You can. Bake them, let them cool, cover them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Move them to the fridge to thaw when you’re ready to enjoy them.

How to reheat them

I reheat mine in the microwave. Because they’re so small, they don’t need much time – just about 10 seconds should do.

overhead shot of glazed cinnamon rolls in a round baking dish.

FAQs

Is there a difference between crescent rolls and croissants?

They’re both moon shaped, but they’re not the same texture. Crescent rolls are more bread-like than croissants, which are light and flaky.

I can’t find Pillsbury Crescent Rounds, can I use regular crescent rolls?

Sure can. The crescent rounds are “straight” while regular crescent rolls are triangles. If you have regular crescent rolls just roll out the sheet, pinch together the seams and proceed with the recipe.

chocolate chip crescent roll cinnamon roll on a white plate with a bite missing.

Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Need more Cinnamon Roll ideas? Try these:

overhead shot of crescent roll cinnamon rolls in a baking dish.

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls

Melissa Williams | Persnickety Plates
Cinnamon rolls made with crescent rolls will be your new best brunch idea! These chocolate chip crescent roll cinnamon rolls take less than 10 minutes to prep and seconds to eat! Perfect with your morning coffee or on the go breakfast.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 rolls
Calories 208 kcal

Ingredients
 

For the cinnamon rolls

  • 8 ounce Crescent Roll Rounds or regular Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
  • 2 Tablespoons salted butter melted
  • ¼ cup granulated white sugar
  • ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

For the glaze

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375° F and spray an 8-inch round pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
  • On a large cutting board, carefully roll out the crescent roll dough.
    8 ounce Crescent Roll Rounds, 2 Tablespoons salted butter
  • Use a pastry brush to coat the dough with melted butter.
  • In a small bowl, add the cinnamon and sugar and stir to fully combine. Sprinkle evenly over the dough.
    1/4 cup granulated white sugar, 1/2 Tablespoon cinnamon
  • Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly across the dough.
    1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Gently roll up the dough and slice into 8 even rounds. Arrange them into the prepared pan, about 1″ apart.
  • Sprinkle the top of the rolls with any leftover cinnamon/sugar mixture and/or chocolate chips (that might have slipped out during the “roll-up” phase).
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the tops just start to brown.
  • While the rolls are cooking, make the vanilla glaze.
  • In a small saucepan, add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until fully combined and all the lumps are out.
    1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • When the rolls are done, brush immediately with the glaze.

Video

Notes

One 8 ounce can of dough should be used. If using classic crescent roll dough, pinch together the seams before brushing the butter on. 
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.
Very slightly adapted from Diethood via A Night Owl

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 251mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.5mg

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @melissa_pplates or tag #persnicketyplates!

Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.

Originally published July 5, 2013

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls will be your new best brunch idea! These simple cinnamon rolls take less than 10 minutes to prep and seconds to eat! | ww.persnicketyplates.com

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls will be your new best brunch idea! These simple cinnamon rolls take less than 10 minutes to prep and seconds to eat! | ww.persnicketyplates.com

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls will be your new best brunch idea! These simple cinnamon rolls take less than 10 minutes to prep and seconds to eat!


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  1. Julie says

    Ah, this is a wonderful recipe, Melissa! And so simple since you are using crescent rolls. I keep saying I am going to make cinnamon rolls from scratch but I never do because I either don’t get up early enough to make the dough or I don’t make it the night before. Your method is perfect! Pinned and sharing on social media. Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Mondays!

    Julie @ This Gal Cooks

  2. Cathy Compeau says

    Yum!

    I would love for you to share and link up at my weekly TGIF Link Party if you haven’t already this week. Your favorite posts, most popular, recent or new! The party is open every Thursday night and closes Wednesday’s at midnight. Followed by (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday! http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/. I would be honored if you join us! Have a wonderful week!

    Hugs, Cathy

  3. Rachel Willis says

    Oh my GAWD! I love cinnamon and chocolate! Kind of like Mexican chocolate, which I LOVE. Pinning for sure!

  4. Kate | Food Babbles says

    These look SOOOOO good!! Love the addition of chocolate to these easy to make cinnamon rolls. Yum! Making these for breakfast sometime this week for sure.

  5. TheTastyFork says

    SO amazing!!! YUM! Please make these for me when I’m in Detroit. I’m sure I’ll need something like this when I wake up after the wedding 🙂

  6. Rhona Haley says

    I am not sure how to get the round shape since the crescent rolls are in a triangle. Can you explain further?

    • Melissa Williams says

      Hi Rhona,

      If you notice in the recipe, I used Crescent Rounds which are circular & not triangles =)

  7. Claire a Roupas says

    These rolls look delicious. My daughter who is in her 60s doesn’t need anything so I thought I’d make these for her Mother’s Day except put raisins instead of chocolate chip. Claire. Thank you. If you are a mother, happy Mother’s Day.

    • Melissa Williams says

      I love food gifts! I am a mother, thank you & Happy Mother’s Day to you as well 🙂

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